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Gwathmey TM, Williams KL, Caban-Holt A, Starks TD, Foy CG, Mathews A, Byrd GS. Building a Community Partnership for the Development of Health Ministries Within the African American Community: The Triad Pastors Network. J Community Health 2024; 49:559-567. [PMID: 38265538 PMCID: PMC10981582 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
African Americans continue to have worse health outcomes despite attempts to reduce health disparities. This is due, in part, to inadequate access to healthcare, but also to the health care and medical mistrust experienced by communities of color. Churches and worship centers have historically served as cultural centers of trusted resources for educational, financial, and health information within African American communities and a growing number of collaborations have developed between academic institutions and community/faith entities. Herein, we describe the infrastructure of a true and sustainable partnership developed with > 100 prominent faith leaders within the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina for the purpose of developing or expanding existing health ministries within houses of worship, to improve health literacy and overall health long-term. The Triad Pastors Network is an asset-based partnership between the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and faith leaders in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina that was created under the guiding principles of community engagement to improve health equity and decrease health disparities experienced by African American communities. A partnership in which co-equality and shared governance are the core of the framework provides an effective means of achieving health-related goals in a productive and efficient manner. Faith-based partnerships are reliable approaches for improving the health literacy needed to address health disparities and inequities in communities of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- TanYa M Gwathmey
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Biotech Place - 575 N. Patterson Avenue, Suite #340, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
| | - K Lamonte Williams
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Allison Caban-Holt
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Takiyah D Starks
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Capri G Foy
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Allison Mathews
- COMPASS Initiative Faith Coordinating Center, Wake Forest University School of Divinity, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Goldie S Byrd
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Crowe S, Kimiecik C, Adeoye-Olatunde OA, Conklin M, Smith J, Pastakia SD, Dinkeldein A, Dubinin M, Zubler P, Gonzalvo JD. Social determinants of health-based strategies to address vaccination disparities through a university-public health partnership. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e66. [PMID: 38690220 PMCID: PMC11058580 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
A decline in routine vaccinations, attributed to vaccine hesitancy, undermines preventative healthcare, impacting health and exacerbating vaccine disparities. University-public health partnerships can improve vaccination services. This study describes and evaluates a university-public health use case employing social determinants of health (SDoH)-based strategies to address vaccination disparities. Guided by the Translational Science Benefits Logic Model, the partnership offered no-cost preventative vaccines at community-based organization (CBO) sites, collected CBO clientele's vaccination interest, hesitancy, and demographic data, and conducted descriptive analyses. One hundred seven vaccination events were held, administering 3,021 vaccines. This partnership enhanced health outcomes by addressing disparities through co-located vaccination and SDoH services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie Crowe
- Center for Health Equity and Innovation, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Carlyn Kimiecik
- Center for Health Equity and Innovation, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Megan Conklin
- Center for Health Equity and Innovation, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Sonak D. Pastakia
- Center for Health Equity and Innovation, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Mary Dubinin
- Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Jasmine D. Gonzalvo
- Center for Health Equity and Innovation, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Summey R, Benoit M, Williams-Brown MY. Survival differences by race and surgical approach in early-stage operable cervical Cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 179:63-69. [PMID: 37926048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate if the higher rate of open radical hysterectomy in Black patients, prior to the widespread return to open surgical techniques, mitigated survival disparities and to identify other actionable factors to target for systemic change. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study including patients from the National Cancer Database with cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy from 2010 to 2018. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics and survival were compared by race and surgical route. Kaplan-Meier plots were constructed. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to adjust for covariates. RESULTS 7201 patients were eligible for inclusion, 687 (9.5%) Black and 4870 (68%) White. We found that 51% of Black patients and 39% of White patients underwent open surgery. Black patients were 10% less likely to receive Guideline Concordant Care (GCC). Those with publicly-funded insurance had a 40% higher hazard of death compared to private insurance (CI 1.19-1.73 p < 0.001). Black patients who had open surgery had similar 5-year survival compared to White patients who had MIS surgery (0.90 vs 0.91, NS). After adjusting for potential confounders including age, insurance, nodal status, and lymphovascular space invasion, Black patients who had surgery had a 40% higher hazard for death (HR 1.40 95% CI 1.10-1.79, p = 0.007) compared to White patients. CONCLUSIONS A lower 5 and 10-year survival was seen in Black patients, regardless of surgical approach. Adjustment for significant covariates did not resolve this disparity, confirming that these factors do not fully account racial disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Summey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | | | - M Yvette Williams-Brown
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Department of Women's Health at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, 1301 W 38(th) St., Suite 705, Austin, TX 78705, USA.
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Fayanju OM, Oyekunle T, Thomas SM, Ingraham KL, Fish LJ, Greenup RA, Oeffinger KC, Zafar SY, Hyslop T, Hwang ES, Patierno SR, Barrett NJ. Modifiable patient-reported factors associated with cancer-screening knowledge and participation in a community-based health assessment. Am J Surg 2023; 225:617-629. [PMID: 36411107 PMCID: PMC10085670 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to identify modifiable factors associated with cancer screening in a community-based health assessment. METHODS 24 organizations at 47 community events in central North Carolina distributed a 91-item survey from April-December 2017. Responses about (1) interest in disease prevention, (2) lifestyle choices (e.g., diet, tobacco), and (3) perceptions of primary care access/quality were abstracted to examine their association with self-reported screening participation and knowledge about breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. RESULTS 2135/2315 participants (92%; 38.5% White, 38% Black, 9.9% Asian) completed screening questions. >70% of screen-eligible respondents reported guideline-concordant screening. Healthy dietary habits were associated with greater knowledge about breast and colorectal cancer screening; reporting negative attitudes about and barriers to healthcare were associated with less breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer screening. Having a place to seek medical care (a proxy for primary care access) was independently associated with being ∼5 times as likely to undergo colorectal screening (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.58-13.79, all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In this diverse, community-based sample, modifiable factors were associated with screening engagement, highlighting opportunities for behavioral intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadamilola M Fayanju
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3513, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA; Duke Forge, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Durham VA Medical Center, 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Taofik Oyekunle
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Durham VA Medical Center, 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Samantha M Thomas
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2717, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Laura J Fish
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2914, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Rachel A Greenup
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3513, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA; Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Kevin C Oeffinger
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3893, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - S Yousuf Zafar
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA; Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3893, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Change Healthcare, 216 Centerview Dr #300, Nashville, TN, 37219, USA
| | - Terry Hyslop
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2717, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - E Shelley Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3513, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Steven R Patierno
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3893, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Nadine J Barrett
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2914, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Duke Clinical and Translation Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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Habr D, Corsaro M. Reimagining diversity in multiple myeloma clinical trials. Hematol Oncol 2022; 40:689-694. [PMID: 35391496 PMCID: PMC9790672 DOI: 10.1002/hon.2997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dany Habr
- Pfizer OncologyPfizer Inc.New York CityNew YorkUSA
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Hiatt RA, Sibley A, Venkatesh B, Cheng J, Dixit N, Fox R, Ling P, Nguyen T, Oh D, Palmer NR, Pasick RJ, Potter MB, Somsouk M, Vargas RA, Vijayaraghavan M, Ashworth A. From Cancer Epidemiology to Policy and Practice: the Role of a Comprehensive Cancer Center. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2022; 9:10-21. [PMID: 35342686 PMCID: PMC8935108 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-021-00280-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Cancer incidence and mortality are decreasing, but inequities in outcomes persist. This paper describes the San Francisco Cancer Initiative (SF CAN) as a model for the systematic application of epidemiological evidence to reduce the cancer burden and associated inequities. Recent Findings SF CAN is a multi-institutional implementation of existing evidence on the prevention and early detection of five common cancers (i.e., breast, prostate, colorectal, liver, and lung/tobacco-related cancers) accounting for 50% of cancer deaths in San Francisco. Five Task Forces follow individual logic models designating inputs, outputs, and outcomes. We describe the progress made and the challenges faced by each Task Force after 5 years of activity. Summary SF CAN is a model for how the nation’s Comprehensive Cancer Centers are ideally positioned to leverage cancer epidemiology for evidence-based initiatives that, along with genuine community engagement and multiple stakeholders, can reduce the population burden of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Hiatt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, San Francisco, USA.,Mission Hall UCSF, 550 16th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Amanda Sibley
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | - Brinda Venkatesh
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | - Joyce Cheng
- Chinese Community Health Resource Center, San Francisco, USA
| | - Niharika Dixit
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSF at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, USA
| | - Rena Fox
- Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | - Pamela Ling
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, San Francisco, USA.,Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, USA.,Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | - Tung Nguyen
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, San Francisco, USA.,Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | - Debora Oh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | | | | | - Michael B Potter
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | - Ma Somsouk
- Division of Gastroenterology, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | - Roberto Ariel Vargas
- Center for Community Engagement, UCSF, San Francisco, USA.,Clinical and Translational Science Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Alan Ashworth
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
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Oshima SM, Tait SD, Thomas SM, Fayanju OM, Ingraham K, Barrett NJ, Hwang ES. Association of Smartphone Ownership and Internet Use With Markers of Health Literacy and Access: Cross-sectional Survey Study of Perspectives From Project PLACE (Population Level Approaches to Cancer Elimination). J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e24947. [PMID: 34106076 PMCID: PMC8262672 DOI: 10.2196/24947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Telehealth is an increasingly important component of health care delivery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, well-documented disparities persist in the use of digital technologies. Objective This study aims to describe smartphone and internet use within a diverse sample, to assess the association of smartphone and internet use with markers of health literacy and health access, and to identify the mediating factors in these relationships. Methods Surveys were distributed to a targeted sample designed to oversample historically underserved communities from April 2017 to December 2017. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the association of internet and smartphone use with outcomes describing health care access and markers of health literacy for the total cohort and after stratifying by personal history of cancer. Health care access was captured using multiple variables, including the ability to obtain medical care when needed. Markers of health literacy included self-reported confidence in obtaining health information. Results Of the 2149 participants, 1319 (61.38%) were women, 655 (30.48%) were non-Hispanic White, and 666 (30.99%) were non-Hispanic Black. The median age was 51 years (IQR 38-65). Most respondents reported using the internet (1921/2149, 89.39%) and owning a smartphone (1800/2149, 83.76%). Compared with the respondents with smartphone or internet access, those without smartphone or internet access were more likely to report that a doctor was their most recent source of health information (344/1800, 19.11% vs 116/349, 33.2% for smartphone and 380/1921, 19.78% vs 80/228, 35.1% for internet, respectively; both P<.001). Internet use was associated with having looked for information on health topics from any source (odds ratio [OR] 3.81, 95% CI 2.53-5.75) and confidence in obtaining health information when needed (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.00-3.34) compared with noninternet users. Smartphone owners had lower odds of being unable to obtain needed medical care (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.95) than nonsmartphone owners. Among participants with a prior history of cancer, smartphone ownership was significantly associated with higher odds of confidence in ability to obtain needed health information (OR 5.63, 95% CI 1.05-30.23) and lower odds of inability to obtain needed medical care (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06-0.47), although these associations were not significant among participants without a prior history of cancer. Conclusions We describe widespread use of digital technologies in a community-based cohort, although disparities persist. In this cohort, smartphone ownership was significantly associated with ability to obtain needed medical care, suggesting that the use of smartphone technology may play a role in increasing health care access. Similarly, major illnesses such as cancer have the potential to amplify health engagement. Finally, special emphasis must be placed on reaching patient populations with limited digital access, so these patients are not further disadvantaged in the new age of telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah D Tait
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Samantha M Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States.,Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Oluwadamilola M Fayanju
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Nadine J Barrett
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States.,Duke Clinical Translation Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - E Shelley Hwang
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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Bond KT, Chandler R, Chapman-Lambert C, Jemmott LS, Lanier Y, Cao J, Nikpour J, Randolph SD. Applying a Nursing Perspective to Address the Challenges Experienced by Cisgender Women in the HIV Status Neutral Care Continuum: A Review of the Literature. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2021; 32:283-305. [PMID: 33929979 PMCID: PMC10688540 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The field of HIV research has grown over the past 40 years, but there remains an urgent need to address challenges that cisgender women living in the United States experience in the HIV neutral status care continuum, particularly among women such as Black women, who continue to be disproportionately burdened by HIV due to multiple levels of systemic oppression. We used a social ecological framework to provide a detailed review of the risk factors that drive the women's HIV epidemic. By presenting examples of effective approaches, best clinical practices, and identifying existing research gaps in three major categories (behavioral, biomedical, and structural), we provide an overview of the current state of research on HIV prevention among women. To illustrate a nursing viewpoint and take into account the diverse life experiences of women, we provide guidance to strengthen current HIV prevention programs. Future research should examine combined approaches for HIV prevention, and policies should be tailored to ensure that women receive effective services that are evidence-based and which they perceive as important to their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keosha T Bond
- Keosha T. Bond, EdD, MPH, CHES, is an Assistant Medical Professor, Department of Community Health and Social Medicine, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA. Rasheeta Chandler, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, is an Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Crystal Chapman-Lambert, PhD, CRNP, is an Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, is Vice President, Health and Health Equity, and Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Yzette Lanier, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA. Jiepin Cao, MS, RN, is a Graduate Student, School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA. Jacqueline Nikpour, BSN, RN, is a Graduate Student, School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA. Schenita D. Randolph, PhD, MPH, RN, CNE, is an Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, and Co-director, Community Engagement Core, Duke Center for Research to Advance Healthcare Equity (REACH Equity), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Habr D, Ferdinand R. Addressing racial/ethnic disparities in cancer clinical trials: Everyone has a role to play. Cancer 2021; 127:3282-3289. [PMID: 33904590 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Hasson RM, Fay KA, Phillips JD, Millington TM, Finley DJ. Rural barriers to early lung cancer detection: Exploring access to lung cancer screening programs in New Hampshire and Vermont. Am J Surg 2021; 221:725-730. [PMID: 32829909 PMCID: PMC10750228 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rural populations face many health disadvantages compared to urban areas. There is a critical need to better understand the current lung cancer screening landscape in these communities to identify targeted areas to improve the impact of this proven tool. METHODS Data from the County Health Rankings of New Hampshire and Vermont was reviewed for population density, distribution of adult smokers, and level of education compared to the distribution of Lung Cancer Screening Facilities throughout these two states. RESULTS Screening programs in southern counties of Vermont with lower levels of education have decreased access. In New Hampshire, there are no programs within 30 miles of the areas with the largest distribution of smokers, and decreased access in some areas with the lowest levels of education. CONCLUSIONS Improving equitable access to high-quality screening services in rural regions and the creation of targeted interventions to address decreased access in areas of high tobacco use and low education is vital to decreasing the incidence of latestage presentations of lung cancer within these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rian M Hasson
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, 1 Medical Center Drive, NH 03756, Lebanon; The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, 1 Medical Center Drive, NH 03756, Lebanon.
| | - Kayla A Fay
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, 1 Medical Center Drive, NH 03756, Lebanon.
| | - Joseph D Phillips
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, 1 Medical Center Drive, NH 03756, Lebanon.
| | - Timothy M Millington
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, 1 Medical Center Drive, NH 03756, Lebanon.
| | - David J Finley
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, 1 Medical Center Drive, NH 03756, Lebanon.
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